Urmatt: Circular Trails, Waterfall and Natural Monument
Accommodation in Urmatt
If you are considering Urmatt as a travel destination, its trails offer a clear focus. The Circuit des Croix, the Sentiers des Géants and the Urmatt–Schirmeck stage represent different kinds of hiking. Nature and local history are also among the themes: the Soultzbach Cascade, La Porte de Pierre, the Sainte-Croix Church and the Jardin du Souvenir each offer a distinctive experience.
Hiking trails in different formats
The Circuit des Croix is a 9 km circular trail that takes about three hours. It is suitable for all age groups and passes several wayside Calvaries. Some of these waypoints date back to the French Revolution. The route thus combines a hike with places whose histories in some cases reach back to this period.
The Sentiers des GĂ©ants consist of five walking loops that can be combined. Each loop is 6 to 8 km long and involves no more than 300 metres of ascent. You can take the loops individually or combine them; the stated distances and maximum ascent apply to each loop. This provides practical guidance when considering distance and elevation gain as you plan your hike.
Another option is the Urmatt–Schirmeck stage. It is marked with the red rectangle of the Club Vosgien and follows the Grande Randonnée GR® 53. From the Col de l’Engin, it follows the GR® 5. Trail conditions and markings may change; check both before setting out.
Waterfall and natural monument
The Soultzbach Cascade lies in a rocky hollow above Urmatt and forms a waterfall about 8 metres high. A path follows the stream to the cascade. It is easy to reach on foot from the centre of Urmatt. This makes the waterfall a natural attraction in its own right during your stay, distinct from the circular trails described above.
La Porte de Pierre is a natural monument made of pink sandstone in the forest of the Donon massif. Its double-gateway shape is 5 metres high and 7 metres wide; the natural monument lies at an altitude of 858 metres. These dimensions give the rock arch a clear sense of scale: it is wider than it is high, while its double-gateway shape defines its geological form. For nature enthusiasts, this rock arch offers a different focus from the Soultzbach Waterfall.
Local history and public spaces
The Sainte-Croix Church in Urmatt was built to plans by the architect Alexandre Matuzynski. It was inaugurated on 29 October 1865 by Monsignor Raes, the Bishop of Strasbourg. The specific date and the names of the architect and bishop give the church a distinct place in local history and set it apart from the natural attractions in the surrounding area.
The Jardin du Souvenir is open to the public and was renovated in 2021. If you would like to visit, check access details again before your visit. Together with the church, the garden adds another public space in Urmatt to the hiking and nature themes.
Discover more destinations: Mittelbergheim, Buswiller, Illkirch-Graffenstaden, Lingolsheim, Bilwisheim, Adamswiller, Ranrupt, Wingen
Go to the regional travel overview: Bas-Rhin.
